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En Vogue performs first concert in AOR at The Rock

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  More than 500 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors jammed with members of the R&B recording group En Vogue during a concert here Jan. 16.

The group made the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing their first stop on their first tour throughout the area of responsibility for deployed servicemembers.

"We cannot express enough how honored we are to be here," said Tracy Ellis, En Vogue member. "We jumped at the opportunity to come here to salute each and every one of you. We wanted to say thank you so much for what you do to keep us protected and the sacrifices you make. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Before the concert, group members Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones and Ms. Ellis were able to travel around and see the inner workings of a deployed location and meet the men and women who call The Rock home.

"The reception from the troops was wonderful and we even got a tour we weren't expecting," said Ms. Herron.

"It was way more than we expected," Ms. Ellis said. "We didn't actually know what to expect but we got way more than that."

During the tour, group members were able to learn a little about the mission and some of the jobs Airmen here perform.

"We just can't wrap our minds around all the things you guys do," commented Ms. Ellis. "Being here and seeing it, we still just can't comprehend that. We appreciate all the things you guys do so much."

That night, and after a rousing introduction from Maj. Rosalie Duarte, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron commander, the group started the concert by performing some of their well known hits.

Songs such as, Never Going To Get It, Free Your Mind, Love Don't Love You, and Giving Him Something He Can Feel, were all performed. Before the group rolled into an old school set honoring the earlier female groups and their music, Ms. Jones told the audience how special the day was for her.

"I'm excited to be here because today is my birthday," commented Ms. Jones. "What better way to spend a birthday than out here with all of you."

At the end of the concert, audience members were able to take photos with and get autographs signed by the seven-time MTV Video Music Award winners.

"[Seeing the concert] has been a dream come true for me," said Staff Sgt. Shari Elliot, with the 386th EFSS, while she waited in line for a photo and autograph. "I always used to listen to this group when I was younger. I'm very thankful that they actually came out here and showed such love and support toward us. I love En Vogue!"

Army Sgt. 1st Class Penney Richardson's was just passing through The Rock when her flight was delayed allowing her to attend the concert.

"I loved the show," commented Sergeant Richardson, "A lot of times we don't feel like we are appreciated and it gets really rough for us out here. Concerts like this make it feel better. I want to thank them for taking the time out to perform for us out here."

En Vogue had special thanks for the men and women deployed.

"The energy here really just lifted us up to another height," said Ms. Herron. "God bless all of you and I hope everyone comes home safe."

Ms. Jones wanted to send a special thanks to servicemembers' families back home.

"You guys are making a wonderful, gigantic sacrifice for us and so are your families," said Ms. Jones. "I talked to so many people who have kids at home and of course you are all sons and daughters. I can't imagine having someone I love so much over here making such a huge sacrifice. So thank you to your families for supporting you."

En Vogue will continue performing for servicemembers throughout the AOR the rest of the month.